All articles tagged with #cars
A Associated Press report notes that the average cost of a new car is approaching $50,000 due to post-pandemic demand, ongoing supply disruptions, tariffs, and rising insurance and repair costs. The affordability squeeze is prompting many buyers to consider used cars or delay purchases, while automakers point to cheaper models and options like EVs; tighter used-car supply and longer ownership periods are further complicating the market.
Google unveiled a new open version of Android Automotive that expands beyond the car’s infotainment system to control non-safety internal components, aiming to reduce fragmentation by becoming the standard software layer for software-defined vehicles. The update promises a more cohesive in-car experience, faster over-the-air updates, smarter voice assistants, and proactive maintenance alerts, with automakers gaining a common foundational codebase for features like climate control, cabin management, digital keys, and personalized driver profiles. Renault Group and Qualcomm are already involved, and Google faces competition from Apple’s CarPlay Ultra.
A 1979 Ferrari 308 GTS that starred in Tom Selleck’s Magnum P.I. is heading to Barrett-Jackson’s Palm Beach auction in April, offered with no reserve. The unrestored, patinaed car—carbureted V-8, about 93,000 miles, five-speed manual—was used in the pilot and early seasons (repainted from Fly Yellow to Rosso Corsa) and comes with show provenance, including a cross-country trip for Car and Driver. Prior sale attempts on Bring a Trailer and at a GAA Classic Cars auction topped around $120k but did not sell. Barrett-Jackson emphasizes its iconic status, and a new owner could technically sit in Selleck’s seat while reliving Magnum P.I. nostalgia.
YouTuber Matty Willo buys the cheapest V8 2016 Ford Mustang GT (with only ~34k miles) at a Pickles salvage auction in Australia for AUD 20,000 after fees. Despite front-end damage, the frame was straight, and he replaced OEM parts (radiator support, bumper, grille, etc.) for about AUD 2,500, bringing total investment to ~AUD 26,000. With the 5.0L Coyote V8 and manual transmission, the car is a strong bargain since similar V8 Mustangs in Australia command higher prices, effectively turning a salvage purchase into a valuable flip in just a week.
Automobili Rodrigues, a new Italian coachbuilder, is pursuing the Berlinetta Veloce with a standard 7.0L naturally aspirated V12 delivering 900hp and an optional 9.0L 18-cylinder Triangolare engine that’s turbo- and supercharged for about 1,954 lb-ft of torque; production is planned as a limited, multi‑million‑dollar vehicle (roughly $5–$10 million) with a manual transmission, currently unveiled as a design study awaiting a driving prototype.
A former Mercedes E-Class limousine has been transformed into a 1,022 hp drift-focused monster by Backfire Brad, swapping in a twin-turbo Corvette V8; the oversized turbos poke out from the hood, the car wears bright yellow with 'Drift Limo' branding, and it debuted at SEMA 2025 and joined a snow-ice drift event by RD48.
In Yakutia, extreme Siberian winters force drivers to harden their cars with insulation (extra windshield glazing, industrial engine blankets, windproof grilles) and to park in heated garages. Cars are kept idling to prevent oil and fluids from freezing, and specialized thawing services help when engines stall. Beyond hardware, a culture of mutual aid—drivers stopping to check on strangers—helps communities cross long tundra routes when winter equipment or conditions falter.
Saudi Arabia’s 149-mile stretch of Highway 10 is the world’s longest straight road, but a civil engineer warns its unchanging, repetitive driving can cause fatigue and highway hypnosis, making it riskier than it sounds.
Dutch photographer Martin Roemers’ Homo Mobilis surveys about 200 vehicles across eight countries to explore how transport reveals owners’ identities, cultural values, and social inequalities—from rooftop gardens on cars in India to homeless-car living in the U.S.—and ends with depictions of scrapped vehicles to underscore mobility’s impermanence.
The Washington Post reports that surging car prices are pushing buyers of both new and used cars into monthly payments of $1,000 or more, with more than 20% of new-car buyers in this range—an all-time high—highlighting a broader affordability crisis in the auto market.
Chris Rea, a renowned rock and blues singer known for his distinctive voice and love of cars, has died at age 74. His career was inspired by his passion for driving, which influenced many of his hit songs like 'Road to Hell' and 'Driving Home for Christmas.' Rea overcame health challenges, including pancreatic cancer, and was also a car enthusiast who owned vintage vehicles. His music and life were deeply intertwined with themes of travel and life's journeys.
President Trump plans to weaken fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks, potentially impacting environmental policies and automotive industry regulations.
BMW Canada has released a limited edition M340i xDrive 50 Jahre Edition to celebrate 50 years of the 3-Series, featuring six exclusive colors from past generations, unique badging, and performance specs identical to the standard model, with only 100 units available.
A nearly new 2026 Corvette ZR1 with just 40 miles is being sold because the owner found the 1,064 hp too powerful to handle, despite its high demand and bidding reaching nearly $300,000. The car features extensive options and is in pristine condition, but potential buyers should be aware of GM's warranty policy on flipped cars.
Some 1980s cars like the DeLorean DMC-12, Buick GNX, Porsche 911 Turbo (930), Datsun 280ZX, and Toyota MR2 are experiencing significant appreciation in value, making them attractive options for collectors and investors looking to flip or add to their portfolios.